Episode 586 | Adriel Sanchez and Bill Maier answer caller questions. Show Notes CoreChristianity.com 1. I recently was reading to my children a new children’s book about the bible and the book described sin as loving things more than God. It warned the kids that if they love anything too much, like their parents and friends, then this is the definition of sin. Is that the entirety of what sin is? I understand that we need to love God supremely; however, I don’t necessarily want my children insecure or afraid if they love me or their father too much. Is there a better way to talk to the kids about sin or is this how we really should talk to them?  2. I have always struggled with my faith. I have been through a lot of rough experiences, from being in prison, to drug addiction, to seeing family members die, and I have earnestly and sincerely asked God to speak to me during these situations, lots of other people believe God speaks to them, but I have never ever heard God speak to me. Not once. Does he speak to anybody today? 3. In Matthew 1:18 it says before Joseph and Mary came together she was found to be pregnant and verse 19 says that because Joseph “resolved to divorce her quietly.” And then right after that in verse 20 it says “don’t be afraid to take Mary as your wife.” My question is, was Mary and Joseph married before she was pregnant or after she became pregnant? 4.  I’m having trouble knowing how to feel unified with the body when there is so much bad theology out there. I spent my childhood in a charismatic, prosperity gospel church and it has made me very sensitive to those things. I now feel that teaching should be exegetical and Christ focused, but it seems to be very hard to find people who agree with me. I see churches taking a topical approach to scripture that often avoids the subject of sin and feels more like a self help guide. I’ve been told I’m being too skeptical. I know that many of my friends believe the gospel so I consider them my brother or sister in Christ, but it’s hard for me to feel unified when our beliefs and focal points are so far apart. How can I keep from being too critical of immaturity or a difference of beliefs, while staying sensitive to false teaching? Today’s Offer Christ Devotional: Jesus Christ – Promised Messiah Request our latest special offers here or call 1-833-THE-CORE (833-843-2673) to request them by phone. Want to partner with us in our work here at Core Christianity? Consider becoming a member of the Inner Core. Resources Core Christianity: Finding Yourself in God’s Story by Michael Horton The Christian Faith: A Systematic Theology for Pilgrims on the Way by Michael Horton

Episode 1203 | Adriel Sanchez and Bill Maier answer caller questions. Show Notes CoreChristianity.com   Questions in this Episode   1. Is the church an assembly or an organism? 2. Is it wrong to pray that I win the lottery? 3. What do I say to the Mormon missionaries at my front door? 4. When people refuse salvation are they falling under the “Great Delusion”? 5. Is my pride keeping me from growing in faith? Today’s Offer The Case for Christ by Lee Strobel Request our latest special offers here or call 1-833-THE-CORE (833-843-2673) to request them by phone. Want to partner with us in our work here at Core Christianity? Consider becoming a member of the Inner Core. Resources Core Question – How Can I Share My Faith?

Episode 463 | Adriel Sanchez and Bill Maier answer caller questions. Show Notes CoreChristianity.com Key questions answered in today’s show: 1. What is the purpose of meeting as a body of Christ? Because COVID-19 has restricted our fellowship, there was a discussion this week among some of the men in my church who question why we would even attend service if they couldn’t fellowship with others. In that vein, some articulated that the sole purpose of our meeting on Sunday was for fellowship. The word and sacraments were not included in the discussion. I would like to have a biblical source for the understanding of the purpose of meeting as a church body.  2. In the last words of the Old Testament, Malachi, says, “Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the great and dreadful day of the Lord.” When Jesus first came, that was not the great and dreadful day. That is when Jesus comes back with wrath. So Elijah couldn’t be John the Baptist. Who is this Elijah?  3. As Christians, is it appropriate for us to pray the imprecatory Psalms? How does this square with praying for the salvation of those who mean to do us harm or have done harm? I’m thinking about those who slander Christians and who push for abortion or other things that do great harm to society as a whole.  4. We always say that God is in control of everything. My question has to do with 1 John 5:19 where states, “The whole world is in the power of the evil one.” This seems contradictory. I don’t understand that.  Resources Core Christianity: Finding Yourself in God’s Story by Michael Horton A Better Way: Rediscovering the Drama of God-Centered Worship by Michael Horton Request our latest special offers here or call 1-833-THE-CORE (833-843-2673) to request them by phone.